England ramp up their World Cup preparations with their first warm-up outing as they face the competition’s lowest ranked nation New Zealand.
Thomas Tuchel‘s side landed in Miami earlier this week, gearing up for their bid to end 60 years without a major international trophy.
They will now go through their first of two tune-ups before the tournament gets underway, something fans may see as much-needed after England emerged on the losing side in their previous outing against Japan back in March.
England’s World Cup campaign begins in 11 days when they take on Croatia in their Group L opener in Dallas.
Here’s everything you need to know.
England’s clash with New Zealand kicks off at 9pm BST on Saturday 6 June and the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Viewers in the UK can watch the match free-to-air on ITV1 with coverage starting at 8.15pm. It can also be streamed on ITVX.
Tuchel’s squad is yet to be at full strength with Arsenal quartet Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke being given more time to recuperate after the Champions League final. Kobbie Mainoo could start in Rice’s absence while Morgan Rogers may operate on the right, allowing him to share the pitch with Jude Bellingham ahead of their battle for the central role.
New Zealand may welcome back Joe Bell who missed their previous outing with a leg injury but Ryan Thomas is set to remain absent. Tim Payne, the World Cup’s so-called “least known player” who has since gone mega-viral, is set to start.
England XI: Pickford; James, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Mainoo; Rogers, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
New Zealand XI: Crocombe; Payne, Surman, Bindon, Cacace; Stamenic, Rufer; Just, McCowatt, Randall; Wood.
Betting sites have England as the big favourites to win this World Cup warm-up match with preparations for the tournament underway ahead of the first match on June 11.
The Independent vets betting sites for useability, security and responsible gambling tools. Please read the terms.
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